Barnsley Central MP and South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis met with Skillz Academy For Girls (SAFG) following their achievement in receiving Kick It Out accreditation. Jarvis met with co-founders Chris White and Craig Marsh to discuss what more can be done to support their work and promote girls football participation.

Commenting, Dan Jarvis said:

“The work Chris and Craig have done for grassroots football in our local community is incredible and it’s clear they play a vital role both on and off the pitch. Their work provides young girls with the opportunity to come together to learn, forge new friendships and develop their confidence and life skills.

“These are exceptionally difficult times and the pandemic has been incredibly challenging for young people. I know mental health is a huge concern, particularly for teenage girls experiencing issues with self-esteem and pressures from social media.

“Grassroots football clubs like SAFG will play a critical role in supporting young people’s mental wellbeing. The passion and dedication Chris and Craig have to their players and their wider mission for the future of women’s football is fantastic.

“I have no doubt SAFG will pave the way for this next generation of women’s football.”

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Notes for Editors

SAFG are a girl’s football academy with an ethos of developing young women both on and off the pitch, increasing their confidence and their life skills throughout the girl’s duration at the club. Their co-founders are Chris White and Craig Marsh.

https://skillzacademyforgirls.wordpress.com/

SAFG United are a Kick It Out Equality Chartered Club. To become an official Kick It Out Grassroots Equality Chartered football club, a club must sign up to the organisation’s new Equality Charter. Benefits include:

• Kick It Out's Grassroots Team, who can offer tailored advice as to how you might qualify for the organisation's Grassroots Activity Fund;
• Kick It Out's Education Team, who can deliver equality workshop to club volunteers, players, parents/guardians or supporters;
• Kick It Out's Reporting Team, who can support anyone at your club who has suffered discrimination in football, as well assist in taking up the case with the relevant authorities.